"Almost Absolutely None Of The Hottest New Music Since 2007" News and opinions about the best music ever - the new albums, tours and reissues by the greatest rock, hip-hop, country, blues and reggae artists. With some newer artists thrown in, because there's always great new music being made.

Monday, May 5, 2008

GRETCHEN WILSON GRADUATES

Congratulations to Gretchen Wilson for getting her high school diploma. She dropped out of school when she was younger. But now, despite the fact that she's sold tons of records and is a millionaire country star, she wanted to set a good example for her daughter by studying for and passing her

General Educational Development exam.

I interviewed Ms. Wilson right before her debut album came out: it was in 2004, and her first single, "Redneck Woman," was a smash. Lots of people - particularly in the press - were referring to her as the "anti-Shania." I asked her about it, and she wasn't having any of it. She felt that they weren't that different: they both came from very poor beginnings, and were determined to make it. I'm sure lots of journalists would have loved for her to take potshots at Shania, but she wouldn't go for it. I told her that I wasn't actually very familiar with Shania's music, but I liked her then-new version of Dolly Parton's "Coat Of Many Colors" from the Just Because I'm A Woman tribute album. She said that the fact that Shania knew the song should shut the critics up. Anyway, congrats again, Gretchen.

About Me

Who's on tour? What are they playing? Who's still in the band these days? What's on that box set? Don't I have all of that stuff already? That's the stuff NO EXPIRATION sorts out for you. So you don't end up being the loudmouth at the Neil Young show who yells out "Heart Of Gold" when he's only doing garage rock with Crazy Horse. Or you're not the person complaining at George Clinton's shows because Bootsy isn't there (but odds are, he won't be there). You get the idea - I'll let you know what's up, and you won't have to weed through stories about lame celebs or (many) bands you haven't heard of.